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Welcome to Bex ley’s

Summer

R E L Z Z I S

School’s out for summer and to help you make the most of your break, your 2017 Summer Sizzler is packed full of news, ideas, events and activities.

Adventure awaits at Lesn es… 9 Danson watersports... 11

There’s every chance you’ll discover something new to do in Bexley this year, or perhaps take up a new hobby. For example, did you know there’s a place in the borough where you can find fossils up to 54.5 million years old? Or that there is somewhere you could learn to sail or kayak?

Competition… 13 Summer reading challeng e...

There are even places where you can get up close and personal with farm animals, exotic rainforest butterflies, owls and bats.

Cycling courses... 18 What’s on… 21-23

If you prefer to relax with a good book, the annual Summer Reading Challenge can help. Or why not grab a picnic blanket and enjoy some outdoor cinema?

Events map... 25

All of these great ideas and more can be found across these pages, as well as useful information for parents, carers and families. There’s even a fun ‘Count the fairies and dragons’ competition with the chance to win two free tickets to any children’s workshop at Hall Place. We also have a packed summer ‘what’s on’ guide. You can keep up-to-date with what’s going on in the borough all year round at www.bexley.gov.uk/events or by following @whatsoninbexley on Twitter. With all of this and more, there’s no excuse not to get up and get out there this summer! Enjoy it and stay safe.

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley

@LBofBexley

facebook.com/LBBexley

Produced by the London Borough of Bexley in partnership with the News Shopper

vertise Want to ad r’s in next yea izzler? Summer S

Natalie Harman Media Consultant 01689 885670 Natalie.harman@londo n.newsquest.co.uk

Phone: 020 8303 7777 Website: www.bexley.gov.uk Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk

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New Lesnes Lodge In need of a coffee break? es Lodge building is fully The stunning new Lesn or area two classrooms and outdo operational and, with its s, sse cla for is the perfect venue for alfresco activities, it nts. eve er oth of y ays and a variet courses, children’s birthd mber of it has played host to a nu Over the last six months s, as sse cla i , pilates and tai ch local school groups, yoga ission seminar. well as a Forestry Comm from 10am to 2pm on School group sessions run e and Thursdays and involv Tuesdays, Wednesdays , pit sil fos newly refurbished pupils making use of the and ing ach oc ge l experiments or undertaking rock and soi navigation activities. ately £6 oked and cost approxim Sessions must be pre-bo sessions up gro ls of more school a head. Look out for detai at lk Wa t as a Halloween Ba and other activities such nesabbey www.facebook.com/les

Abbey Good Coffee will be open from 10am to 6pm throughout the summer. The kiosk is part of Lesnes Lodge at Lesnes Abbey Woods. It sells great coffee, homemade cakes, fresh sandwiches and much more. Normal opening hours are 10am to 4pm.

Beside the seaside New park for Belvedere

Work is well underway on the new all-inclusive themed ‘Belvedere Beach’ playground. Progress on the new play park is going so well that the Council is hoping to have the playground open for use later this summer. Work started in late March, picking up pace after the Easter School holidays when the park was closed to the public for safety. The ground and drainage works were completed in May. The public toilet blocks and the

kiosk will be refurbished in July. When finished, the new park will be open throughout the year and will offer a range of fully inclusive equipment, including sensory and educational play areas, as well as an interactive water play area. The new ‘Belvedere Beach’ park has been part-funded by Cory Environmental Trust in Britain.

Erith riverfront summer events

Coming soon… Look out for det ails of summer even ts, with local partners such as Erith Playhouse and The Exchan ge, which celebrate Erith’s unique London setting and unta pped potential. For m

ore information visit www.greatererith .com or www.facebook .com/GreaterEr ith

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ing test? Can you How long ago did you pass your driv said about stopping for remember what the Highway Code school crossing patrols? recently took to the Our team of school crossing patrols drivers of the legal Broadway in Bexleyheath to remind stay stationary until requirement to stop for them, and to re to do so can result Failu they return safely to the pavement. alty points on your in a fine of up to £1,000 and three pen driving licence. helping children all over Bexley has 32 school crossing patrols, safely. They are all paid, the borough get to and from school ber of the Council’s fully trained and supervised by a mem road safety team. 7777 and ask for Road For further information call 020 8303 bexley.gov.uk Safety or email roadsafetyeducation@ Working parents of 3 and 4 year olds will be entitled to an extra 15 hours a week free childcare on top of the basic offer of 15 hours a week, from Septem ber 2017. The hours can be taken over 38 wee ks a year (term time) or stretched over more weeks with fewer hours each week. You can also use the hours with more than one childcare provider. Funding can start after your child turn s 3, as long as you have applied and received your eligibilit y code during the term before. Visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information and to check if you are eligible. You can also click the ‘apply now’ button to make your funded child care application. For more information about local 30-h our childcare providers, please visit fid.bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777.

@Bexleyrdsafety #Stopmeansstop

Children’s public health service Bromley Healthcare now delivers health visiting and school nursing services in Bexley. It offers more relevant health advice, information and care to Bexley children and young people aged 0 to 19 and their families. Find out more at www.bexley0to19.co.uk

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Get green fingers with a Bexley allotment Our allotment plots can provide l

Good healthy eating with your own freshly grown fruit and vegetables

A place for connecting with other like-minded people where social interaction can bloom

Higher levels of fitness for yourself, family and friends

A sense of accomplishment

Extra growing space for keen gardeners

A potential new hobby

An opportunity to gain new gardening skills and experience

Quality family time when you can get your children or grandchildren involved.

And now you can get your first year’s allotment rent half price when you sign up! Simply quote BSS17 when enquiring. Offer ends 31 August 2017.

Contact the Allotment Help Desk on 020 3045 3693

Garden waste collection winner During National Gardening Week (10-16 April) we announced that the 40,000th person to sign up to our garden waste service would win free garden waste collection for a year. We can now reveal that the winner is Pam Pearey, from Belvedere. “I love to potter around my garden, especially in the summer months when the flowers are in full bloom,” she says.

“My husband Paul has been working very hard too and has installed new patio and planters. We’re both very chuffed to hear that I’ve won a full year’s subscription for your garden waste service – thank you.” The Garden Waste Service is just £33 for the year. Residents receive a 240 litre garden recycling bin which is collected fortnightly (25 collections).

Bexley residents can also receive a discount on buying their own compost bins, as well as wormeries, water butts and more.

To find out more about our garden waste service and discounts visit www.bexley.gov.uk/gws

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n r a E

ld o r a e -19 y

n r a u le

o y e hil

On average apprentices earn £170 a week!

If you are a young person who wants to get a job, gain skills and qualifications and get paid at the same time, then a work-based learning apprenticeship could be just what you are looking for. Bexley’s 14-19 team can help you find out more about the different apprenticeship opportunities available locally, from traineeships to higher apprenticeships. They can also provide information on colleges, training providers and employers. For more information call 020 8303 7777 and ask for the 14-19 team. To find apprenticeships with the London Borough of Bexley visit www.bexley.gov.uk/apprenticeships For more apprenticeships across the borough, visit www.bexleyforbusiness.co.uk/apprenticeships

Keep in the loop Join over 87,000 subscribers and stay informed on a range of subjects including job opportunities, libraries, local studies, archives, recycling and more! Just look for the email updates button on our website. To find more about current vacancies, study placements, work experience, apprenticeships and the benefits of joining Bexley visit www.bexley.gov.uk/services/jobs-and-careers

New college for Bexley The Learning Centre Bexley and Resources Plus have teamed up to launch the new Learning and Enterprise College Bexley. It will offer more wide ranging opportunities for skills and employment, personal development for health and wellbeing and bring communities together through arts and culture.

It will also enhance the service for adults with special educational needs or disabilities through Bexley Twofold’s supported employment opportunities alongside lifelong learning. Keep an eye out on www.bexley.gov.uk for more news as the college prepares to launch in September.

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Get up and GO in Bexley If you’re lucky enough to own a smartphone, why not go on a Pokémon hunt with the kids this summer with Pokémon GO? Danson Park, Hall Place, Bursted Wood, East Wickham Open Space and Footscray Meadows are all hot spots for Pokémon! Players can often find large nests of the same type of Pokémon here, as well as a mixture of different types. Nests change to a new type of Pokémon once every two weeks on a Thursday. Don’t forget to collect your items to use in the game such as Poké Balls, Potions and more from the Bexley Civic Offices Poké Stop!

Help keep our parks clean Our parks are free for everyone to enjoy and we have taken steps to keep them clean and tidy, including waste and recycling bins, signage and enforcement. Not only is dropping litter illegal, it can be dangerous to wildlife and other park users. When you're out enjoying the parks please remember to clean up after yourself and your dog. Pick up your litter and dog poo and either dispose of it in the bins provided or take it home with you. Following these simple steps takes very little effort but makes a huge difference. If you’d like to do more to help keep our parks and streets clean, why not join over 160 volunteers in our Community Litter Picking Scheme? All volunteers can litter pick whenever they have a bit of spare time and are given a hi-visibility vest, litter picker, gloves and bags. To find out more call Jennie Becket on 020 8303 7777 or email jennie.beckett@bexley.gov.uk

Hall Place Sports Pavilion Hall Place’s modern pavilion is an ideal venue for sports or fitness classes, parties and meetings, with a function room that can hold up to 40 people. It has a small kitchen, built-in projector, sound system, a fully staffed reception, free car parking and disabled access. The Hall Place Sports Pavilion is located next to the main sports field. For more information please call the Outdoor Recreation team on 020 3045 4894.

Did you know that there are over 100 parks and open spaces in Bexley? They cover a massive 623 hectares. That’s equivalent to nearly 875 football pitches!

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Fun e r t n e c e h t at Danson Park Watersports Centre provides a great range of water sports to help kids keep active. Participants must be ages 8 to 16, water confident and in good health. Row boat hire and mini ships are available for all ages. Our sailing and kayaking holiday schemes are a fantastic way to stay active in the holidays and are suitable for all abilities with no experience necessary.

Stay a Day

Mini ships Choose from a mini ferry, fire boat and police ship, available to hire weekends, bank holidays and school holidays from 10am to 6pm. Ships hold up to four people. For more information call 020 8303 2828 email watersports@bexley.gov.uk or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/watersports

Monday to Friday 10.30am to 3pm, from 24 July until 25 August and Tuesday to Friday 29 August to 1 September. Full day - £22 per person. Full week - £88 per person.

Youth Night Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm from April until September. £9.50 per person.

Birthday parties Two-hour party with experienced instructors teaching kayaking or sailing with fun and games. £155 per group of 12. All party goers must be aged 8+ and water confident.

Row boats Hold up to five people. Dogs welcome aboard. From 10am until late, weekends, bank holidays and school holidays between April and October.

Half price tennis at Danson Park No booking required!

T&Cs: Voucher is valid on Saturdays and Sundays 24/07/17 - 03/09/17, 10.30am-6.30pm. *RRP adults £8 per court per hour. Concessions £4.90 per court per hour.

4* £ t s u j Now

Voucher must be presented at point of tennis court hire. Voucher may only be used once.

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ADVERT

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Summer at Hall Place & Gardens

Win tickets to a Hall Place kid’s workshop This summer at Hall Place there are a wide range of fun activities to keep you and your family busy.

Boys and girls are invited to step into a world of wonder and excitement thi s August at Fairy School. Dance in the majestic Great Hall and enjoy refreshments in the Elf Garden. Our fairy teachers will have you laughing with stories and am aze you with fairy crafts and cake decorat ing.

At Animal Magic you’ll get close up s, and personal with bearded dragon , cute bunnies, mischievous meerkats and hungry chicks, pigmy hedgehogs, many more.

potions and what Later in October you can hear all about secret can also make they can do to you at The Potion Pincher! You your own gruesome ghoul to take home. For your chance to win two free tickets to any of these workshops, all you need to do is tell us How many fairies and dragons can you see hiding at Hall Place? Send your name, answer and contact details to communications@bexley.gov.uk or to Communications team, London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT.

Each ticket is valid until 31 October 2017 and entitles the holder to book one free s need Entrie by n place at one children’s workshop. to be i To find out more about the workshops at Hall Place see page 21, 22 and 23 or visit www.hallplace.org.uk/events-at-hall-place

ay 31 Mond July!

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ADVERT

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Saturday 15 July to 9 September Free in all Bexley libraries for children of all ages and reading abilities. Choose six books of your choice to read over the summer holidays. You’ll collect cards and rewards along the way, and receive a medal and certificate if you can complete the challenge. There will be lots of fun activities to take part in too!

• Free comics and graphic novels to read on your computer, phone or tablet; includes BigNate, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers and more. • Free eBooks and audio books including Wimpy Kids, Dork Diaries and more. For more information, visit

www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

Come along and visit your local library and discover the amazing things going on this summer. As well as shelves of wonderful books to borrow, why not try out some of our online resources?

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easy ways to reduce waste

4. Avoid wasting food

2. Think before you shop Buy things with less packaging, or second-hand items. Choose reusable shopping bags and make sure you keep them in your bag or pocket, so you always have one to hand.

1. Stop unwanted mail Check that you’ve indicated you don’t want your details to be used or passed on when giving your name and address. You can contact the Mailing Preference Service and Royal Mail to stop receiving junk mail.

3. Your rubbish is another person’s treasure Advertise unwanted items in your local paper or on websites such as Freecycle or Freegle, donate to charity shops, or use clothing banks at your local recycling centre.

The average family in the UK wastes nearly £60 a month throwing away good food. That’s £12.5 billion a year! Get tips on storing food, portioning and meal planning, and yummy recipes at www.lovefoodhatewaste.org.uk

5. Don’t bin leftover paint Donate leftover paint to your local charity by visiting www.communityrepaint.org.uk

The science of Making fresh organic compost is a fun and easy science project to get outdoors and learn about nature. Simply add:

Nitrogen Fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds and weeds that have not seeded.

Carbon

O²

Tear up leaves, toilet roll tubes, newspaper, cardboard and paper egg cartons.

Turn the compost occasionally with a garden fork. This will help get air to the materials inside and speed up the decomposing process.

H²O Keep the compost moist. Without moisture, your compost pile will become too dry for the microbes and insects to do their thing.

As compost begins to break down, you will find all sorts of bugs and creepy crawlies in the pile. Take pictures of the bugs and look them up online. Visit www.getcomposting.com for discounted compost bins to help get you started.

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ADVERT

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n o y e Bexl

BIKES

Cycling is good for you, it’s cheap and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

to ride, improve their skills and even learn how to cycle together on local roads.

We’re running our popular Bikeability courses for children aged 10+ over the summer holidays. Children can learn on-road cycling skills with the Level 1 and 2 courses, or take the advanced Level 3 course.

If you haven’t got a bike or you need a repair, you can drop in to one of our Adult Bike Days and pick up a bargain in the recycled bike market, or get help with some basic maintenance from Dr Bike. We also run adult cycle training sessions on these days.

We’ll also be running Family Fridays when children, parents and carers can learn how

To find out more about all our cycling events visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events or www.letsride.co.uk Follow the team on Twitter @Bexleyrdsafety

STOP

Top cycling track

Walk

this way

If you’re looking for somewhere to cycle that’s ideal for younger children, the Thames Cycle Path is not only away from traffic, but the path itself is flat and stable. There are plenty of benches along the way too, so why not take a picnic and make a day of it?

3 children Many more Year pedestrians are now receiving ks to our award skills training, than y programme, its winning Walkabilit hools. e participating sc volunteers and th room n out of the class Children are take roadside, to e th at d coached an ps ou gr all sm in w to cross roads. . Get in touch by on where and ho s ce oi ch r fe sa Road Safety team r e ou mak of r be em m ov.uk to participate trained by a education@bexley.g ty fe All volunteers are sa ad ro e. g in ail em or to find out mor in the programme

BE ROAD SMART Find somewhere safe to cross. Stop, look, listen and think before stepping off the kerb. Put away distractions so you can concentrate. Practice routes if your children are changing schools. Remind older children to look out for their friends, as well as themselves.

THINK

ACT

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Become a supported lodgings carer Supported Lodgings is similar to fostering in that carers look after a young person ‘in care’ but the scheme is for older young people aged 16-18 who are able to do most things for themselves. The role of the carer is to guide and support the young person to gain the skills and experience they need to live independently. Carers would be expected to provide support on a range of issues, from cooking, budgeting and using public transport to helping them manage their own health needs and encouraging education and training aspirations. Carers are able to be in full-time employment and can receive a weekly payment of up to £225 plus expenses. Find out more at www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering

Make a e c n e r e ff i d Being a Bexley Foster Carer is a career different from any other. No two days are the same and your own home is your workplace.

Foster Carers can be single, married, gay or straight. They can own or rent their home. They may have a young family, an empty nest or have no children. They need a spare room, dedication, and the skills it takes to care for and support a www.bexley.gov.uk child who cannot live with their own family, whether short or long term. Bexley provides a comprehensive training package. Once you become a Foster Carer, training continues and a network of local carers are also on hand to provide support. If you are looking at a new career, or to change your foster care provider, please visit www.bexley.gov.uk/fostering or call 020 3045 4400 for a chat.

Make a difference.. Follow the team on Twitter @FosteringBexley

Private

fostering

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by a ‘close relative’ or someone who is not their parent for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts. If you are privately fostering, being privately fostered or know someone who is, you should make sure that the local Children’s Services Team is aware. By not notifying the Council, families could be missing out on essential welfare checks for the children, as well as other support services. Call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Children’s Services.

Foster for Bexley

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Find out what you’re capable of 24/7 support

15/06/2017 12:49:46

Event venues Crossness Engines Trust St Augustineâ€™s Children & Family Centre West Street Children & Family Centre Tha me s

Cycle P ath

Thamesmead A2

Sporting Club Thamesmead

Erith Yacht Club 0 A2

A2041

The Link, Thamesmead

Lesnes Abbey Woods Bostall Heath

Belvedere

Danson Children & Family Centre

Danson Youth Centre

A206

Erith

Crook Log Leisure Centre

Road

A2041

A220

Welling

Erith Leisure Centre

Slade Green

Erith

East Wickham Open Space

N'Heath

Bursted Wood

Barnehurst A207

Broad

Bexleyheath

A220

way

Waste & Recycling Centre

Crayford

Woodlands Farm Danson Park & Splash Park

Blackfen

Crayfo

rd Ro a

A210

Danson Water Sports & Tennis

Sidcup Leisure Centre

A222 Station Ro

Sidcup

Hall Place

rth

Bexley

Mount Mascal Stables

Footscray

Foots Cray Meadows North Cray Community Centre (YADT)

A20

Across the Borough -

Sidcup Place & Tennis Courts

Libraries - www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Community Centres www.bexley.gov.uk/services/property/rooms-hire

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! n o s ’ t a h W All though summer Bexley Libraries Bexley’s Visitor Attractions Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ services/visitor-attractions to find out more

Danson Splash Park Open from May to September Danson Park, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL Free wet and dry play area

Junior Parkrun Every Sunday at 9am Lesnes Abbey Woods, Abbey Road, Abbey Wood, DA17 5DL Free 2k run for 4-14 year olds. Please register at www. parkrun.org.uk Register before your first run and bring a printed copy of your barcode. www.parkrun.org.uk/ lesnesabbeywoods-juniors

The Link Thamesmead Bazalgette Way, Off Harrow Manor Way, Thamesmead, SE2 9BS Wide range of fun and inspiring activities and opportunities, as well as spaces for hire. For full details visit www. thelinkthamesmead.co.uk

Erith Yacht Club Sailing courses on the river Thames for adults and young people. Weekends and during the school holidays. Contact 01322 332943 or training@erithyachtclub.org.uk www.training.erithyachtclub. org.uk

There are events throughout the summer at all our libraries See page 15 for more about the Summer Reading Scheme Visit arena.yourlondonlibrary. net/web/bexley/news-andevents

Sporting Club Thamesmead Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, SE28 8NJ People of all ages can enjoy sports and fitness activities, along with social and community events at affordable prices. To find out more visit www.sportingclubthamesmead. co.uk

Bexley’s Children and Family Centres Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ childrenscentres to find out what’s on at each of the centres over the summer

Danson Watersports Activities all through the summer See page 11 Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ watersports

o ts t e k tic Win kids ps ho rks lace! o w ll P a 13 at H page See

Woodlands Farm

Jambs Owls

9.30am-4.30pm Tuesday to Sunday, as well as Bank Holiday Mondays 331 Shooters Hill, Welling, DA16 3RP Find out about farming life and see all the farm animals. Experience the countryside, including native bird species, butterflies, wild flowers and ancient woodland. Admission: free for individuals up to 9 visitors. Please consider making a donation. 10+ visitors is £20 per hour and should be booked by calling 020 8319 8900 www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust. org

Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ Meet our special feathered guests and even get the chance to hold one. Jambs Owls bring their visitor-friendly barn owls, eagle owls and other species to Hall Place and explain how they survive in the wild. Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays (and Wednesdays and Thursdays during school holidays) 10am5pm. £4 adults, £3 children. No need to book.

Butterfly Jungles Experience Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ Walk among free flying butterflies from around the world in a rainforest environment full of exotic flowers. Open every day 10am-5pm (butterfly house closes 30 minutes before plant shop). £4 adults, £3 children. No need to book.

Bexley SNAP Summer Scheme From Monday 24 July to Friday 1 September Activities for disabled children and young people aged 5-18 who meet the Disabled Children’s Service criteria. Please contact your DCS social worker regarding your eligibility or call 01322 334192 for more information.www.bexleysnap. org.uk

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Things to do

Danson Youth Centre Summer Holiday Club

Rookie Rangers: Fun with Food

The Adventures of Beekeeping

Animal Magic Mobile Zoo

Monday 24 July – Friday 11 August Danson Youth Centre, Brampton Road, Bexleyheath DA7 4EZ For full details visit www.dansonyouth.org.uk or call 020 8303 6052 Monday to Friday 10.30am–12.30pm: Soccer School 1pm-3pm: Sports Mania/Multi activity session 2pm–7pm: Skate Park (weather permitting) Mondays only 5.30pm-7pm: Roller Disco 6–12yrs Tuesdays only 7.45pm–9pm: Football 11+yrs Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-11am: Trampoline 3-5yrs; 11am-12pm: Trampoline 6+ yrs Fridays only 10.30am–11.30am: Gymnastics 5-11yrs

Wednesdays 1.30pm-2.30pm For 3-5 year olds. Under supervision the children will learn how to use different equipment, master accurate measuring and create something delicious! Must pre-book.

Tuesday 11 July 3pm Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ Christopher Honeyman has been a beekeeper for more than 30 years. Hear how he works with a colony of honey bees and the importance of the garden for bees. 020 8300 0084

Monday 31 July to Friday 4 August One hour sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 2pm Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Get up close and personal with bearded dragons, cute bunnies, mischievous meerkats, hungry chicks, pigmy hedgehogs, and many more. Animal Magic Mobile Zoo is an amazing experience for children and adults alike! Admission: £6 children and £4 adults. 01322 621238 (lines open every day from 10am-4.30pm).

Rookie Rangers: Playtime Thursdays 1.30pm-2.30pm For 3-5 year olds. Our sessions give your child the chance to play and interact with others in a safe and friendly environment. The group is set up to ensure different areas of learning and stimulation.

Pixie Manor

Games ‘R’ Us Thursdays 5.30pm-6.30pm For 8-11 year olds. We play a mixture of games such as dodgeball, basketball, rounders, table tennis, Olympic activities, party games and more!

Summer fun with YADT July – September North Cray Community Centre 1 Davis Way, Sidcup DA14 5JR £3 per child per session. To book call 020 8308 3862 or email yadt@sky.com Find out more on page 26

Rookie Rangers: Interactive Story Time Mondays (except Bank Holiday 28 August) 1.30pm-2.30pm For 3-5 year olds. A fun, engaging and lively session designed to inspire our Rookie Rangers and introduce them to the glorious world of books! A new story each week.

Rookie Rangers: Monkey Mayhem Fridays 1.30pm-2.30pm Giant equipment, inflatables, and obstacle courses for 3-5 year olds to traverse, clamber over, build and charge through!

Open Air Cinema Tuesday 11 July and Wednesday 12 July 9.15pm-11pm (gates open 7.45pm) Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Come and experience two classic films on the big screen under the stars. Four Weddings and a Funeral on Tuesday and Jurassic Park on Wednesday. Admission: £15 adults, £10 under 16s (booking fees apply) 0844 858 6767 www.thelunacinema.com

Saturday 15 July – Sunday 3 September Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BQ Discover each hidden fairy door, decorate your very own wand and learn the magic oath from the Fairy Godmother before you receive your special gift. There is time at the end to get a memorable photo keepsake of your visit for you to treasure. Suitable for children aged 3-8 years of age. Admission: Child +1 free accompanying adult: £9.99 (this includes a wand and gift), additional adults: £1.99 tickets are priced per 45 minute session. 020 8300 0084

Spark in the Park Monday 31 July Friday 4 August 1.30pm-4pm Danson Park, Bexleyheath Free sport and games, craft activities, play on inflatables, face painting. Refreshments also available at low cost.

Lark in the Park Saturday 22 July – Sunday 6 August Sidcup Place, Sidcup Lark in the Park takes place during the summer holidays and provides kids’ clubs, youth activities, fun days, creative zone, over 60s venue, community action projects, evening events and much more. Admission: free

Look who’s visiting! Summer Garden Trail All August 10am-4.30pm Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Nearly half of the bird species in the UK migrate, but where to? Travel around the gardens to find out all the answers. Includes a small free prize at the end. Pick up your passport trail sheet from the visitor centre. Admission: £2.50 per trail, pay on the day. 01322 621238 (lines are open every day from 10am-4.30pm)

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Open Air Theatre A Midsummer Night’s Dream Thursday 3 August 7pm-10pm Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Puck and his musical fairy band tell a tale of lovers, mechanicals and magical mayhem in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The critically acclaimed Pantaloons Touring Theatre Company present their innovative and hilarious open-air version of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy. Bring a rug or chair to sit on. Picnics welcome. Admission: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £8 under 16s. No under 5s. Gates open 6pm. 01322 621238 (lines are open every day from 10am-4.30pm

Fairy School Monday 7 - Wednesday 9 August, Monday 14 - Wednesday 16 August, Monday 21 - Wednesday 23 August 10am and 2pm Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Calling all trainee fairies both girls and boys! An enchanting school where pupils enjoy storytelling, fairy cake decorating, dancing, crafts and other magical skills. Can you graduate this year? Perfect for 3-9 year olds. Admission: £10 children, adults free. 2 hour sessions. 01322 621238 (lines are open every day from 10am-4.30pm)

COME TO

Crossness Engines Trust

Charity Horse Show & Family Fun Day

Sunday 20 August 10.30am-4pm Beam Engine House, Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, Bazalgette Way SE2 9AQ Explore this amazing Grade 1 industrial building - a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Includes steaming up day, exhibition, museum shop and a café for refreshments. Trousers and flat shoes advisable. Admission: £8 Adults, £2 under 16s 020 8311 3711

Monday 28 August 10.30am-5.30pm Mount Mascal Stables, Stable Lane off Vicarage Road, Bexley DA5 2AW Pop Up Pony Rides, Animal Days Out, Jambs Owls, inflatables and soft play, face painting and glitter tattoos, refreshments, stalls, Equestrian Competition and display and fun dog classes. Free entry. Parking is £1. All fundraising is in aid of British Red Cross and Bexley & Dartford Parkinson’s UK. 020 8300 3947

Bat Walk Tuesday 19 September & Thursday 21 September 8pm-10pm Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ Join the dusk walk through the gardens to hear and see these nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat. Bat detector supplied! Booking required. Admission: £10 adults, £8 8-16 year olds (price includes tea and cake) 01322 621238 (lines are open every day 10am–4.30pm)

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Saturday 26 August 1.30pm-4.30pm Bostall Heath, Bostall Hill, Abbey Wood SE2 0GB A fun family day out that includes traditional games, tombola stalls, including Teddy Tombola and a bottle tombola for the adults. Peppa Pig and the Hospice Owl, Owly will be coming by during the afternoon. Stalls will be selling BBQ food, homemade cakes, beer and Pimms, plus vintage jewellery, books, gifts and more. Admission: £3 per child includes a picnic lunch, 50p per adult. 020 8312 2244

Bexley Donkey Derby Sunday 3 September Danson Park Polo Fields 12pm-4pm Annual charity Donkey Derby, organised by Welling Round Table. Watch the races, shop at the stalls, enjoy refreshments, the fun fair and the donkey rides.

Visit m su www.lei recentre.co on s at’ wh t ou d to fin over the summer at d Crook Log, Sidcup an s re nt Ce re isu Le Erith

Find sports activities to suit all ages and levels at www.bexley.gov.uk/ activebexley

Some activities may need to be booked in advance. Contact the provider in advance to check times, dates and age restrictions. Providers may change or alter their programmes without notice. Activities may be cancelled due to poor weather and low participation.

For more information and to book tickets call your nearest leisure centre: Crook Log Leisure Centre 020 8304 9090 Erith Leisure Centre 01322 350 271 Sidcup Leisure Centre 020 8302 0556

Children aged 5-11 will enjoy activities such as football, gymnastics, swimming, trips to the local park and more. Camp Adventure is available across three leisure centres from 8am to 6pm. Children are supervised by qualified and DBS checked leaders. Age restrictions apply and vary across the sites used for the activities.

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% : d z

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Event venues Crossness Engines Trust St Augustineâ€™s Children & Family Centre West Street Children & Family Centre Tha me s

Cycle P ath

Thamesmead A2

Sporting Club Thamesmead

Erith Yacht Club 0 A2

A2041

The Link, Thamesmead

Lesnes Abbey Woods Bostall Heath

Belvedere

Danson Children & Family Centre

Danson Youth Centre

A206

Erith

Crook Log Leisure Centre

Road

A2041

A220

Welling

Erith Leisure Centre

Slade Green

Erith

East Wickham Open Space

N'Heath

Bursted Wood

Barnehurst A207

Broad

Bexleyheath

A220

way

Waste & Recycling Centre

Crayford

Woodlands Farm Danson Park & Splash Park

Blackfen

Crayfo

rd Ro a

A210

Danson Water Sports & Tennis

Sidcup Leisure Centre

A222 Station Ro

Sidcup

Hall Place

rth

Bexley

Mount Mascal Stables

Footscray

Foots Cray Meadows North Cray Community Centre (YADT)

A20

Across the Borough -

Sidcup Place & Tennis Courts

Libraries - www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre

Community Centres www.bexley.gov.uk/services/property/rooms-hire

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Summer fun with the

YADT

Like and follow YADT on facebook.com/yadtbexley

Join Otis the otter at the Rookie Rangers and Play Rangers from the Youth Action Diversity Trust (YADT). Children aged 3 to 5 can enjoy interactive story time, fun with food sessions, and some lively monkey mayhem. Children aged 5 to 7 can enjoy arts and crafts, football and other sports, and a new ADHD social club. There are also activities such as a girls club, drama groups and sports sessions for young people aged 8 to 14, as well as activities for adults, including fitness sessions and fun adult social clubs. There are activities available all year round, starting from £3 per session at the North Cray Neighbourhood Centre, Sidcup DA14 5JR.

For more information call 020 8308 3862, email yadt@sky.com or visit www.youthactiondiversitytrust.co.uk The national Sugar Smart campaign came to Bexley earlier this year. Sugar Smart has been designed to encourage us all to reduce our intake of sugar and tackle rising levels of obesity. Bexley was the third London

Borough to pledge its commitment to becoming a Sugar Smart borough. To find out more about Sugar Smart and why reducing sugar intake is so important visit www.sugarsmartuk.org

Alive n Kicking is a fun-filled family lifestyle and weight management programme for children aged 4-11 and their families. The programme focuses on making small, easy changes to help benefit the whole family’s health such as – learning about healthy eating and nutrition; learning how to read food labels; activity sessions where families can have fun together, play new games and build skills and confidence. If you have a child aged 4-11 years who has a BMI on or above the 91st BMI percentile, contact the local team via www.ank.uk.com/ank-24 to find out about a local programme near you. You can calculate your child’s BMI percentile by using the NHS healthy weight calculator. Visit www.nhs.uk and search BMI to find the healthy weight calculator.

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Staying safe

online r e m m suating tips e

Cases of food poisoning are often more common in the summer months when we take to outdoor eating, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Good food hygiene can help reduce the number of cases and make sure we all enjoy our barbecues and picnics. These tips from www.internetmatters.org will help to put you in control and help you and your children understand the risks they may face online.

Recommendations from Bexley’s Food Safety Team ●

Set your fridge to the right temperature – the coldest part should be below 5ºC.

●

Don’t share personal information like phone numbers or email addresses

Cool cooked foods quickly at room temperature so that they can be stored in the fridge within 1-2 hours.

●

Store raw foods separately from cooked foods

●

Only talk to real life friends or family on social media

●

Be a good friend online and don’t say nasty things, even if they are meant as a joke

Do not defrost raw meat or raw meat products at room temperature. Defrost in the fridge or use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking.

●

Use secure and legal sites to download music and games

●

Make sure they check with you before downloading any programs to avoid viruses

Check that food is steaming hot throughout before you eat it, especially poultry, pork and minced products.

●

Burgers at home should always be cooked all the way through.

Check they know these rules ●

Have a conversation Asking your children for advice on how to do something online is a good conversation starter. Explain that people they meet online might not be who they say they are. Make sure they know they can come to you if they’re upset by something they’ve seen online. Be sensitive and encourage them when they share their online experiences with you. If your child talks about an issue with you, stay calm and listen without judging them.

If you are planning on eating out or having a takeaway in one of Bexley’s local establishments during the summer break, remember to check the Food Hygiene Rating before you go. Bexley has one of the highest numbers of highly rated food outlets in London – so you are sure to find somewhere great to eat. For more information on food hygiene or for ratings visit www.food.gov.uk

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Adoption We are looking for patient and adaptable people who are practically and emotionally prepared to take on the responsibility of looking after a child. People from a range of different backgrounds become adopters, but there are some legal requirements.

Volunteering

If you would like to use some of your time to help others, think about what youâ€™d like to do to make a difference locally and get in touch with organisations youâ€™d like to help.

If you are thinking about adoption but are unsure whether your circumstances are suitable, please contact us. We are here to help you make the decision. Email adoptionandfostering@bexley.gov.uk or call 0800 783 7699

Some organisations are unable to accept volunteers under 18. If you are below 18 you could ask your school if you can start a community action group instead, such as litter picking, or collecting for a local foodbank. For help and advice on volunteering or starting a community action group call Kara Lee at the Bexley Voluntary Service Council on 01322 524682.

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Family

Wellbeing

Bexleyâ€™s Family Wellbeing team aims to provide early help to families, to prevent any difficulties from becoming worse. The team works with children and families from 0 to 18 years old, where there is one or more of the following-

l Parental domestic violence l Parental mental ill-health l Parental substance misuse l A child is at risk of or has already been excluded from school Family keyworkers work directly with children and families, providing advice, help and support, and work with families for up to six months. To find out more visit www.bexley.gov.uk/earlyhelpandprevention

Special educational need or disability

Bexleyâ€™s Local Offer provides information about services available to children, young people with special educational needs and disabilities and their families.

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Useful contacts How do I?

Worried about a child? Call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Safeguarding Children’s Services. In an emergency always call 999.

Useful Council numbers

Contact when the police when it is not an emergency – 101 or 0300 123 1212

Automated payments – 020 3045 5200 Bexley Local Offer – Special Educational Needs and Disability support and information for 0-25 year olds – 020 3045 5677

Report a gas leak – 0800 111 999 Get health advice and reassurance – 111 www.nhs.uk

Births, Deaths and Marriages – 03000 415 252

Report a leak or burst pipe to Thames Water – 0800 714 614 (24 hour leak line) or #tweetaleak to @thameswater

Parking Services – 020 3045 3000 Out of hours emergency service – 020 8303 7777 or 020 8303 7171

Other local useful contacts

+ 100 services

Citizens Advice Bureau – 01322 517150 Bexley Voluntary Service Council – 01322 524682 Job Centre Plus – 0345 604 3719

Apply

/LBofBexley @lb_bexley

Pay

Find

Report

Save time, go online

www.bexley.gov.uk/services

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